I have received this email from an army officer

Madam, 
 
With reference to the report in the Times of Malta about the recent promotions in the army, I can confirm that the queuing outside the Brigadier’s office has been going on all week (and to a lesser extent queuing at the Deputy Commander’s office) but today it reached unprecedented levels with the corridor being jam-packed with soldiers from various ranks. 

As you may well know, this was sparked by the issuance of promotions by the Grievances Board. With each board concluded, more injustices have been created and this is now a vicious circle which I’m afraid has ruined any form of rank structure within the Armed Forces of Malta. The decisions taken by these successive boards will, sadly, resonate for years to come. 

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined myself writing to a journalist about army matters. The situation, however, is so ridiculous – and so much damage has been done in the last couple of weeks to the army to which I have dedicated my life – that I feel hopeless.

Best regards and keep up the good work. 

—-

Manuel Mallia, Minister for the Army during the first two years of Muscat’s government

Carmelo Abela (far left, in checked shirt) with friends: Minister for the Army during the second two years of Muscat’s government

The prime minister with his personal friend Jeffrey Curmi, the ‘just add water and microwave’ instant brigadier, who received three promotions in as many weeks to make the rank of Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, forcibly displacing the former incumbent, Martin Xuereb.